Dharamshala
Experience a serene vacation exploring the exquisiteness of nature with a vacation in the picturesque Dharamshala. Situated at an average altitude of 1,475 meters above sea level, Dharamshala lies on the scenic stretch of land of Kangra Valley making tourists spellbound for its spectacular beauty. Often cited as the ‘Little Lhasa of India’, Dharamshala is popularly known as the holy residence of the exiled Tibetan monk Dalai Lama.
With the backdrop of the breathtaking Dhauladhar ranges, Dharamshala is the one of the most tranquil destinations which you will find in North India, the perfect amalgamation of natural beauty and culture. Surrounded by thick deodar cedar trees and the snow capped peaks which decorate the landscape, the quaint city is visited by thousands of tourists to beat the summer blues and explore the best places to visit in Dharamshala.
The city of Dharamshala is divided into two parts, the lower division is the Dharamsala town whereas the upper division is known as Mcleodganj. Blessed with spectacular scenes of nature, the calm and serene hill stations proudly boasts strong Buddhist influences with many quaint old monasteries located here. There are a lot of other attractions in Dharamshala like the charming St. John Church, headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dal Lake, etc. that draws tourists from different parts of the country.
Dharamshala remains a distinct tourist destination in India attracting large crowds not only nationally but also internationally who come here to discover the striking Tibetan hub in India. For most ardent travelers, Dharamshala is a popular name on their travel wish lists due to its magnificent beauty and charming splendor of the landscape. So start packing up your bags and go to Dharamshala with a Dharamshala tour packages to behold one of the most scenic hill stations in India.
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Dal Lake, situated near the village of Tota Rani in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, is a hidden gem nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the western Himalayas. This picturesque mid-altitude lake holds a special charm for visitors, offering a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped peaks, Dal Lake exudes a serene ambiance that captivates the soul. The crystal-clear waters of the lake reflect the pristine beauty of its surroundings, creating a mesmerizing sight that leaves visitors in awe.
For nature enthusiasts, Dal Lake is a paradise waiting to be explored. A leisurely stroll along the lakeshore reveals a rich diversity of flora and fauna, with colorful wildflowers dotting the landscape and birds chirping merrily in the trees. Adventurous souls can embark on scenic hikes in the nearby hills, offering panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan range.
Nestled in the beautiful Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Bhuntar Town is like a warm hug from the mountains. It's known as the "Gateway to Kullu Valley" because it's the starting point for many exciting adventures.
Imagine towering mountains all around you, with the peaceful Beas River flowing nearby. Bhuntar is surrounded by this stunning scenery, making it a perfect place to unwind and soak in nature's beauty.
But Bhuntar isn't just about pretty views. It's a lively town filled with friendly locals who are always ready to welcome visitors with a smile. You can explore bustling markets, try delicious local food, and get a taste of Himachali culture.
If you're someone who loves adventure, Bhuntar has plenty to offer. You can go trekking in the mountains, try exciting water sports on the river, or simply take leisurely walks to enjoy the fresh mountain air.
And the best part? Bhuntar is a great base for exploring nearby attractions like Manali, Kasol, and the Parvati Valley. So you can go on fun day trips and discover even more of this beautiful region.
Kangra Fort, located on the outskirts of Kangra town, is a fort built by the Rajput family of Kangra as part of the Katoch Dynasty. The builders of this fort trace their history back to the Mahabharata making this fort the oldest recorded fort in India.
It’s also the largest fort in the Himalayas. The fort is well known for its importance in medieval Indian history as it was a much sought after fort by the Mughals and succeeded in resisting a lot of Mughal sieges. The outer wall of the fort has a circumference of 4 kms and the inner chambers have a lot of artifacts from various periods, most notably the Mughal and British occupied India eras. There are temples and royal chambers inside that make for a very fun and eventful tour.
Best time to visit: All throughout the year.
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Which are the best places to visit in Dharamshala?
Some of the best places to visit in Dharamshala are:
1. Dal Lake: This is another amazing place that is a must-visit for you. Its enchanting magnificence and quiet setting make it a standout amongst the most famous spots to see in Dharamshala. The staggering lake is encompassed by extravagant green deodar plants and snow-capped mountains. The lake is situated at a height of 1775 m and its tranquility and appeal draw in a lot of tourist.
Timings: Opens from 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
2. Kangra Fort: The Kangra Fort, which follows its inceptions to the antiquated Trigarta Kingdom is the biggest fortress in the Himalayas and likely the most seasoned fort in India. Witness dazzling history and great legacy at Kangra Fort, which is one of the best tourist spots here. Although the fort is mostly in ruins its beauty attracts a lot of tourists around the world.
Timings: Opens from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Price: The approximate price is INR 150 per person for Indians and INR 300 per person for foreigners.
3. Namgyal Monastery: Another amazing place that is a must-visit for you in Dharamshala is the Namgyal Monastery. The monastery is said to be the largest monastery housing 200 monks. Witness the prayer wheels, the décor, and the Tibetan-style architecture as you explore the monastery.
Timings: The monastery is open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
4. Tsuglagkhang Complex: Situated on the Temple Road, the Tsuglagkhang Complex is a religious center and one of the main interests in Dharamshala. It was built when His Holiness Dalai Lama went to India for the first time in 1959. The complex is a standout amongst the most amazing spots to see in Dharamshala and includes Dalai Lama's abode and monastery.
Timings: Opens from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
You can Also Checkout: Dharamshala Holiday Packages
What all things can be done in Dharamshala?
Some of the things to do in Dharamshala are:
1. Paragliding: In Dharamsala, a number of places provide you with this thrilling activity. It is an incredible movement to enjoy if you pine for the adrenaline rush that comes with any adventure sports. The natural landscape of this zone makes it a much more interesting place for the tourist. A place where you can go for this paragliding activity are Dharamshala Flying Club etc.
Approximate Cost: Ranges between 2000 to 8000 Rupees per person.
2. Camping: The beautiful contours and the hilly terrain make for an incredible camping experience in and around Dharamsala. The clear skies and the fresh air enrich the camping experience and make it more enjoyable. The trail between Dharamsala and McLeodGanj makes for a great camping spot. Triund, Camp Chrysalid, Soaring Eagles Peaks, Youreka are few of the places where you can go out for camping.
Approximate Cost: Ranges between INR 2000 to 5000 per person.
3. Kareri Lake Trek: Kareri Lake is located approximately 40 kilometers North of Dharamsala and in the Dhauladhar Range. The route is filled with beautiful green vegetation and flora, unique to the Himalayas. To get here, you need to start trekking from Ghera village.
Best time: The best time to do this trek is during the month of April to June and October to January.
Approximate Cost: Ranges between INR 2000 to 5000 per person.
4. Visit the Kangra Fort: The Kangra Fort, which follows its inceptions to the antiquated Trigarta Kingdom is the biggest fortress in the Himalayas and likely the most seasoned fort in India. Witness dazzling history and great legacy at Kangra Fort, which is one of the best tourist spots here. Although the fort is mostly in ruins but its beauty attracts a lot of tourist around the world.
Timings: Opens from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Price: The approximate price is INR 150 per person for Indians and INR 300 per person for foreigners.
5. Visit the Monasteries: There are lot of monasteries in Dharamshala which you must explore during your vacation here. Some of them are:
- Namgyal Monastery which is located at McleodGanj, Dharamshala
- Gyuto Monastery which is located at a distance of 8 km from Dharamshala and 13 km from McLeod Ganj, Gyuto Monastery is located at Sidhbari on the main road to Palampur.
- Tsuglagkhang Complex is located at McleodGanj, Dharamshala
- Dip Tse Chok Ling is located at Camel Track Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala.
Is Dharamshala worth visiting?
When is the best time to visit Dharamshala?
The best time to visit Dharamshala is during the month of March to about mid-July. Summers are said to be very welcoming during this time.
The temperatures range somewhere between 22°C and 35°C. It’s also the ideal time for trekking tours on scenic trails dotted with flowers in full bloom.
How can I reach Dharamshala from Delhi?
If you are planning to travel to Dharamshala from Delhi by road then the drive from Delhi via Chandigarh, Kiratpur and Bilaspur should take around 12-13 hours. Dharamshala is also well-connected to Delhi and other parts of North India by bus. The journey is almost 520 kilometres from Delhi.
- By Air:
If you are planning to travel by air then the nearest airport is at Gaggal, about 13 kilometres away from Dharamshala. Gaggal airport connects Dharamshala to Delhi via Air India and Spice Jet flights.
- By Train:
If you are planning to travel by train then the nearest major railway station is at Pathankot, 85 kilometres away. There are numerous trains that also go to Jammu and Kashmir that stop by in Pathankot. You can take a taxi or bus from Pathankot to reach Dharamshala.
How far is McLeodGanj from Dharamshala?
McLeodGanj is just a short distance from Dharamshala, approximately 5 kilometers away depending on your exact location within Dharamshala. It's easily reachable by car, taxi, or even by foot if you enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst the beautiful surroundings.
What are the best places to visit in Dharamshala for couples?
Dharamashala is another beautiful location in Himachal Pradesh. Some of the treks which are very famous here are:
Indrahar Pass Trek
Another fascinating trek which you should definitely do during your visit to Dharamshala is the Indrahar Pass Trek.
This trek offers you a chance to have a close view of the beautiful Dhauladhar and PirPanjal mountain ranges. You will pass through green pastures, dense Deodar and Rhododendron forests during this trek.
Best time:The best time to take this trek is between mid May to June and September to mid October.
Difficulty level: The difficulty level varies from moderate to difficult.
McleodGanj
This is another of the beautiful trek in Dharamshala which you should definitely go for. It is located in upper Dharamshala. One of the shortest trekking trails in Himachal Pradesh is McLeodganj to Triund Trek.
Best time:The best time to take this trek is during the months from May to October.
Difficulty level: The difficulty level is moderate.
Dharamkot
Dharamkot is a famous tourist village with dense Pine and Deodar forests. This is another fascinating trek which you should definitely opt for. The village provides a beautiful view of the Dhauladhar range.
Best Time: The best time to head out for this trek is during the month of September to June.
Difficulty level: The difficulty level is easy to moderate.
Dal Lake Trek
This is another of the most beautiful treks in Himachal Pradesh. Dal Lake is among those sacred glacial lakes here. Positioned at an elevation of 3900 meters in Himachal Pradesh, Dal Lake is approachable from Indrahar Pass, Minkiani Pass and Gaj Pass.
Best time: The best time to visit this lake is during the month of May to November when the climate is very pleasant.
Difficulty level:The difficulty level of the trek is from moderate to difficult.
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